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Rental Information

Create a memorable and elegant special occasion in the historic setting of Hower House. Weddings, receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, anniversary parties or other intimate gatherings come alive inside this unique 1871 Victorian masterpiece. It is the perfect setting for meetings, corporate board luncheons, dinners, receptions or retreats. In addition to the air-conditioned interior, the grounds may also be rented.

Imagine the possibilities…..

Hower House is available for rental Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday; and on Sunday from 5:00 pm. to 11:00 pm. The house is not available for rental or tours on any national holidays, including Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. A minimum of four weeks notice is needed for any rental. Please call Hower House for reservation information at 330-972-6909. Your reservation must include the actual beginning and ending time of the event. Any time needed to set up tables, chairs or other equipment is considered separately.

When the house is contracted, it is the first floor only that is rented, not the entire house. The rental rate is $350.00 for the first three hours, and $100.00 for each additional hour. The fee includes the use of the first floor as normally set. Hower House Museum grounds are available to rent at the same rate. Hower House may be rented for meetings on Monday and Tuesday for a three-hour period between 9:00am and 3:00pm for a special rate of $100.00. House capacity is 60 people for a seated meal event, 90 people for a stand-up reception, and 80 people for a seated event/program. The grounds can accommodate about 200 people. Please call Hower House Museum for reservations.

Rental Information….

Caterers will handle set up of tables and chairs, tear down and clean up of areas where food is prepared or served. Other than small buffets where finger food is involved, guests will be required to eat at tables. Red sauces are discouraged and can only be served with special permission from the Director or Director’s designee. No caterers are licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages in or on Hower House Museum property. Upon approval, the booking party may provide alcoholic beverages for their guests and engage a caterer to serve same. Draft beer, red wines, red or purple beverages of any kind, plus root beer and cola drinks are prohibited, The sale of alcoholic beverages by anyone is strictly prohibited. Contact Hower House Museum for a list of approved caterers.

Food Service

Afternoon Tea at the Hower House

Formal TeaWith a deposit, you can schedule a formal tea on the first floor. This includes: tea sandwiches, savories, sweets and tea served in the elegant surrounds of the 1871 Victorian Mansion.

$32 per person (minimum of 25 people, maximum of 50 people).

Must be scheduled in advance; based on availability.
Mondays through Thursdays only with four weeks notice.
Call 330.972.6909 for information

Wedding or Wedding Reception

A wedding or wedding reception may be held at the house. All previously stated information applies to weddings and wedding receptions. No rice is permitted, but birdseed may be thrown outside the house.

Billing:

Rentals require a 50% down payment in order to confirm a reservation. If the event is cancelled, this fee is not refundable unless Hower House Museum is able to rent the facility for the same time and date. The balance of this fee is due seven working days prior to the event. A security deposit of $200.00, by separate check, is also required the week of the event to cover the cost of any damage that may occur due to recklessness, vandalism or destruction of any kind or any infraction of rules and regulations including those that apply to caterers. If none of the preceding occurs, the full deposit will be returned to the booking party the week following the event. Checks should be made payable to “The University of Akron, Hower House Rental” and delivered to the address listed. Complete information regarding payment and security deposit is included on the Hower House Rental Agreement signed at the time the deposit is made.

Miscellaneous:

Balloons, smoking and dancing, and use of amplifiers are prohibited in the House. Photography inside Hower House is allowed only at weddings by one designated/official photographer. No lighted candles are permitted except on the dining room table or individual dining tables. Candles and candleholders must be provided by the booking party and approved by the event monitor. Parking is available on premises, on Fir Hill or, with prior permission, in the Martin University Center parking lot. The opportunity to view the House is by appointment.